Recruits are buzzing about Sacramento State, Brennan Marion and the new Hornets culture

There is a lot of excitement around Sacramento State football, head coach Brennan Marion and this first-year coaching staff.

It’s resonating with top recruiting targets as Marion and his staff shoot their shot with the nation’s best like five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons, while also mining for overlooked talent that can help the Hornets win games for years to come.

Marion and his staff have 12 early commitments including Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.) High signal-caller Jacob Chambers. In nine games a junior Chambers completed over 61 percent of his passes for 1,677 yards and 18 touchdowns to just four interceptions. He added another 421 yards rushing and six scores on the ground. He has the traits to be prolific in Marion’s famous “Go-Go offense.” 

“What excites me and everyone about Sac State is really the culture of the entire staff, along with Coach Marion and what he brings to the program,” Chambers said. “They’re all in when it comes to buying into this program, and they go hard every day to make a change, which we’ve already been seeing. 

“The recruiting class we’re bringing together for 2026 is very special, and we have a lot of talent. Just being able to be the leader of that excites me. Coach Marion brings a different aura to the program and is pushing it harder by making changes in many areas, such as renovations to facilities, the stadium, and moving to FBS, etc. He’s proven he can develop ball players and make them better on and off the field. I know I’ll be developed perfectly under him and his staff, as well as other recruits. The Go-Go system Coach Marion has created fits my play style perfectly as well, and I see success with myself in it!”

Clovis East (Calif.) running back Lindsey Graves is one of the fastest skill players in Cali and is an electric prospect Sacramento State is pushing for.

“I think what excites me about their offense is it’s great for a running back and how explosive the run can be,” Graves said. He’s run 10.6 in track and 4.4 in the 40-yard dash. “Also younger class have more of an advantage to get on the field as a running back because they play two backs at one time. I think the offense creates a lot of opportunities and versatility to the running back position and I do see myself as a versatile back so it seems that the offense would create opportunities for my skill set.”

The environment Marion and his staff have created also stands out to Graves.

“Just seeing everything Coach Marion has done in the past, seeing the type of coach he is first hand at a spring practice makes me believe in who Sac State can rise to become.”

Sacred Heart Cathedral edge Mickey Williams is someone the Hornets view as a difference maker.

“My favorite things about Sac State are the family atmosphere, the energy around the program, and the love from the community,” Williams said. “I’m excited about the vision Coach Marion and his staff bring. They’re building something special. The culture, the pace, and the belief in every player is real. Appreciate the opportunity and can’t wait to see them go to work!”

A few other top targets that haven’t committed yet include offensive linemen Roger Vanderhoef and Sunia Vuki along with defensive backs Major Hinchen, Rahsjon Duncan and safety Sefanaia Alatini.

Sac State’s class is already filled with playmakers like receivers Christian Davis and Kamarie Smith. Click here to see who’s already in the fold.